Grading certificates are the caution cards that inform a purchaser about the superiority or inferiority of a stone. While some people follow the certificates closely, others refuse to vouch by their numbers. What with a lot of controversy stirring up every now and then about the inaccuracy of the lab reports, it comes across as quite confusing. So, the question- are diamond certificates of any real good or are they just another marketing gimmick, remains. The answer to this cannot be unanimously made in one sentence. The answer follows in the rest of the article. Read on to know what these certificates validate and if they are authentic in all respects claimed.
Outlining the Basics
There are some bottom-line facts that you must be aware of, as a purchaser. First, when purchasing a diamond of S1 or S2 clarity, go by the GIA and AGS certification. One foolproof way of buying stones is to choose only the most reputable retailers in the place. This might cost you a little extra, but spending a little less, but still a lot of money on a low grade stone is not a prudent idea either. So, stick to the best jewelers in the market. Also, be advised that the two grading organizations in America that come with an undisputed reputation of absolutely accurate rating are the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America. The reports validated by these laboratories are flawless.
The Marketing Thingamabob
Yes, there are some diamond grading laboratories that produce appraisals instead of impartial evaluation of the stones. So, a diamond that comes with a certificate is not essentially all that the paper claims. The laboratories in these cases do not publish the grades by specific numerals. Instead, they highlight the best qualities, shadowing the flaws. In other words, they simply advertise the product under the pretense of authenticating the quality of the stones. Those reports are questionable and may often lead to a bad buy.
How to Tell a Real Report from an Appraisal
Frankly, the laboratories keep revising their techniques from time to time to avoid getting marked. So, there is no failsafe yardsticks by which the two different certificates can be distinguished. Also, there is no concrete way of proving that one is providing you real information while the other is merely an advert copy. The only way to avoid handing out a lot of money on a low grade diamond is to obtain the product from a reputable seller. These stores keep only stones that are graded by the best laboratories in the country. In short, the GIA and AGS certificates are the ones to be trusted than others. Do look out for veritable reviews as a way of finding out more about your seller.
